This interactive timeline chronicles the successes of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations in cleaning up the New York art market, one of the largest unregulated markets in the world, by sending a strong signal that collectors, auction houses, and museums will be held accountable for engaging in cultural racketeering. ;xNLx;;xNLx;In 2017, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. launched a counter antiquities trafficking unit, the first of its kind in the United States. The unit is headed by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, who led the U.S. government’s efforts to recover priceless antiquities stolen from the Iraqi National Museum in 2003. Other members of this elite unit include lawyers, as well as experts in antiquities trafficking—all dedicated to stopping the trade of illicit artifacts in New York today. They partner closely with leading Special Agents from HSI, the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ;xNLx;;xNLx;The sheer number and high-dollar value of art and antiquities seized by the unit to date demonstrates that New York City remains a hub for the illicit trade in not only the United States, but also the world at large. Since its creation, the team has successfully seized and repatriated millions of dollars worth of artifacts to their countries of origin. ;xNLx;;xNLx;This interactive timeline illustrates the ongoing operations of the Manhattan DA’s office and their continued successes in countering demand for illicit antiquities. It compiles information gathered from media reports, press releases, and court documents. It shows the seizures of dozens of antiquities, with descriptions of their value and history. The timeline notes from whom and where the antiquities were seized, and where they have been repatriated, providing key sources for further reading. ;xNLx;;xNLx;You can also follow their work on Twitter at @ManhattanDA and @HSINewYork.
Value: $200,000 Repatriated: Greece
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection, Interpol, and Indian Authorities seize $5 million worth of antiquities that Subhash Kapoor had illegally smuggled.
Manhattan District Attorneys charge Sushma Sareen with hiding 4 bronze statues from authorities valued collectively at over $14.5 million.
Value: $114,500 (Minimum value) Repatriated: India, Pakistan, and Lebanon
Value: $450,000 Repatriated: India
Value: $885,000 Repatriated: not specified
Value: $35,000 Repatriated: India
Value: $100,000 Repatriated: India
Value: $850,000 Repatriated: not yet specified
Value: $1,100,000 Repatriated: Pakistani Government, may remain in New York